May 7, 2026

“Go for it. You won’t regret it.”

When Josh Fenton from the United Kingdom took a career break, he knew it was time to fulfill a lifelong dream—serving on an extended mission trip. After completing a ministry training program, he joined Christ For the City International as a Global Ambassador and spent several months serving in Zimbabwe.

“There wasn’t really a typical day,” Josh said. “Some days were spent helping with renovations at Emthunzini Wethemba, other days with children at Isaiah’s Home, or in rural and street ministry. Every day was an opportunity to grow.”

One of his favorite moments came on his final day—a bonfire night with the boys at the children’s home. “We cooked, laughed, sang around the fire, and celebrated everything we’d done together. It was the perfect ending.”

Josh says the experience changed him deeply. “My biggest takeaway was the power of unconditional love—how we can be vessels for God to show that to a stranger.”

From mentoring youth to praying with Evans, a young man who started a chicken business after being paralyzed in an accident, Josh saw firsthand how God brings hope in the hardest places.

For anyone considering becoming a Global Ambassador, Josh says:

It’s one thing to read about the life of love that Jesus led—but it’s another thing to live it every day. Go for it. You won’t regret it.

Josh discovered that unconditional love can change a life—and you can too.
Whether you’re ready to serve on a Global Team, lead a group, join an Urban Plunge, or take your next step in missions, there’s a place for you to go.

Explore opportunities to live the Gospel in action → www.cfci.org/go

April 27, 2026April 20, 2026

Your Church was Made for Mission: 5 Ways to Partner with Christ For the City International

At Christ For the City International, we believe the Church was never meant to stay inside four walls. From the very beginning, God called His people to live on mission—loving their neighbors, serving their communities, and bringing the hope of Jesus to the nations.

Churches play a vital role in that mission.

Whether your congregation is passionate about going, giving, praying, or mobilizing others, there are meaningful ways to partner with what God is doing through CFCI around the world.

Here are five simple ways your church can be part of the story.

1. Go on a Mission Trip

One of the most powerful ways a church can engage in missions is by going together.

Mission trips allow youth groups, college ministries, young adults, small groups, families, and entire congregations to step outside their normal rhythms and serve alongside local ministries around the world.

Through Urban Plunge trips in U.S. cities and Global Teams serving internationally, churches can:

• Share the Gospel
• Serve practical needs in communities
• Encourage and support local leaders
• Grow in faith and unity as a team

There’s something powerful about taking what God is doing inside the church walls and living it out together in the world.

2. Give to the Mission

Missions move forward because of faithful generosity.

When churches give to the vision of Christ For the City International, they help sustain ministry happening every day in cities and communities across the globe.

Your giving fuels discipleship, leadership development, outreach, and compassionate service through our international bases.

Our vision remains bold:

No place without a witness.
No church without a vision.
No person without hope.

And we continue to believe God is inviting us to help create environments where 1 million lives can be forever changed through the ministry of CFCI.

When your church gives, you’re investing in transformation that reaches far beyond what any one team or trip could accomplish.

Become a financial partner!

3. Pray for the Mission

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways your church can partner in missions.

Across the world, CFCI teams are serving communities, discipling believers, and sharing the hope of Jesus in places that often require courage, perseverance, and faith.

Your prayers provide encouragement, protection, and spiritual covering for missionaries, national leaders, and the people they serve.

Consider setting aside time to pray for:

• CFCI missionaries and global staff
• The communities being served
• Open hearts to the Gospel
• Future leaders being raised up

When the Church prays, God moves.

4. Mobilize Your People

Sometimes the greatest impact a church can have is simply inviting people into the mission.

You can help mobilize others by:

• Sharing mission trip opportunities with your congregation
• Encouraging students and young adults to explore serving abroad
• Highlighting stories of transformation from the field
• Creating moments where missions becomes part of the conversation

Many people feel called to serve—but they just need someone to point them toward the opportunity.

Your church could be the place where that calling begins.

5. Build a Long-Term Partnership

Missions are most powerful when relationships grow over time.

Some churches choose to partner more deeply with CFCI by building an ongoing relationship with one of our ministry bases or returning regularly to serve in the same location.

Over time, these partnerships allow churches to:

• Encourage and support local leaders
• See long-term impact in communities
• Send teams year after year
• Watch God work in powerful ways

What begins as a single trip can grow into a lasting Kingdom partnership.

The Invitation

The mission of God is bigger than any one church or organization. But when we work together, the impact multiplies.

Whether your church chooses to go, give, pray, mobilize, or partner, you have a role to play in bringing the hope of Jesus to cities and communities around the world.

And together, we believe it’s possible to see 1 million lives forever changed.

Ready to explore the next step for your church?

Visit cfci.org/go to learn more about mission opportunities.

April 7, 2026March 10, 2026

New Culture, Same God

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
— Philippians 2:3–4

You’re headed somewhere new!

A new city. A new country. New food. New rhythms. New faces.

But stepping into another culture doesn’t just expand your passport stamps. It stretches your heart—in all the best ways.

Whether it’s the pace of life, how people greet one another, how meals are shared, or how time is viewed, you’re about to experience the beauty of doing life differently.

And here’s the good news:
New culture. Same God.

What Is Culture, Really?

Culture is how a group of people lives, thinks, works, eats, laughs—and worships.

Some parts of culture are obvious. Others are so deeply woven into daily life that you don’t even notice them… until you leave your own bubble.

God created culture. All of it. The diversity, the languages, the traditions, the expressions of worship. When we approach culture with curiosity instead of comparison, we get to see His creativity up close.

Before you go, take time to learn about the community you’ll be serving.
The more you understand, the more you’ll connect.

Look for similarities.
Learn from the differences.

Expect the Unexpected (Especially with Time)

In some places, life revolves around the clock. In others, it revolves around people.

You may discover that schedules are more flexible than you’re used to. Meetings may start later. Conversations may last longer. Plans may shift.

That’s not dysfunction—it’s a different priority system.

Pro Tip: Show up with a flexible heart. Relationships often come first.

“Me” vs. “We”

Your home culture might celebrate independence:
“I’ve got this.”

The culture you’re stepping into might emphasize interdependence:
“We’ve got this.”

Teamwork may look different. Leadership may look different. Even decision-making may feel unfamiliar.

Pro Tip: Celebrate the team. Honor the group. You’re not there to be the hero—you’re there to serve.

Plans Change. God Doesn’t.

Let’s be honest: overseas schedules can feel more like suggestions.

You might have a full day planned—and then, suddenly, everything shifts.

Instead of frustration, what if you saw flexibility as formation?

Every pivot is an opportunity to trust.

Pro Tip: Pray through the changes. God is not surprised by the detour.

Control: Internal or External?

Some cultures believe, “I make things happen.”
Others live with, “Life happens—and we adapt.”

As you serve, resist the urge to fix everything you see.

You are not the savior. Jesus already is.

Pro Tip: Pause. Pray. Partner with the Holy Spirit before you act.

A Big Picture Reminder

The goal isn’t to bring your way of life.
The goal is to bring love, humility, and the hope of Jesus—in a way that honors the culture around you.

When you lead with humility, curiosity, and respect, you reflect Christ beautifully.

And remember:
The same God who meets you at home is already at work in the place you’re going.

New language.
New food.
New rhythms.

Same God.

If you’re preparing for an Urban Plunge or Global Team, take time now to posture your heart. The way you show up matters just as much as what you do.

Ready to step into a new culture with confidence and humility?

Explore upcoming trips at cfci.org/go 🌍

March 10, 2026March 4, 2026

Oh, the Places They’ll Go: A Graduation Gift That Shapes Who They Become

Caps fly.
Cameras flash.
Party invites stack up on the counter.

And somewhere between “We’re so proud of you” and “What’s your major again?” there’s a quieter question every senior is asking:

Who am I becoming?

Graduation gifts usually look like money in a card. A new laptop. Dorm décor. Maybe luggage for what’s next.

All good things.

But what if this year, you gave something that doesn’t wear out, power down, or get replaced in four years?

What if you gave an experience that strengthens their faith, builds their confidence, and gives them space to hear God clearly before the next big step?

At Christ For the City International, we see it every year.

When young adults step into mission — something shifts.

A Global Team: The “Trip” That Actually Changes Them

After graduation, many students plan one last big adventure with friends.

A Europe trip.
A beach week.
A “bro trip.”
A girls’ getaway.

And there’s nothing wrong with celebrating.

But what if their post-grad trip wasn’t just fun — it was formative?

A Global Team is designed to be done together.

Your graduate can go with friends, with their youth group, or build a small team of people they already trust and love.

Instead of sightseeing alone, they could spend a week or two serving alongside national missionaries in places like:

Guatemala
El Salvador
Zimbabwe
Nicaragua

They’ll participate in children’s ministry, evangelism, prayer walks, outreach, and hands-on community projects — partnering with local leaders who know their communities best.

And here’s what parents often notice afterward:

Serving together bonds friends in a different way.

When they pray together.
When they navigate another culture together.
When they step out in courage together.

The conversations go deeper. The faith becomes more personal. The friendships become stronger.

Ten years from now, they won’t just remember the laughs.

They’ll remember how God met them there.

A Global Ambassador: A Gap Year That Grounds Them

For some graduates, the invitation goes even deeper.

Not just a short-term team experience — but an intentional season set apart.

A Global Ambassador experience is more immersive. More personal. More formative.

Instead of rushing straight into college or career, what if your graduate had space to:

Live cross-culturally
Serve consistently alongside a CFCI base
Be discipled and mentored
Develop leadership and responsibility
Slow down enough to hear God clearly

They may go on their own.
Or with one close friend.

But this isn’t about group momentum.

It’s about identity.

In a culture that pressures students to “figure it out fast,” a gap year centered on Christ says:

Root yourself first.

We’ve seen students return from a Global Ambassador season more grounded, more mature, and more confident in who God created them to be.

Not because it was easy.
But because it was intentional.

Oh, the Places They’ll Go

Yes — new countries.
New cultures.
New friendships.

But more importantly:

Deeper faith.
Stronger character.
Clearer direction.

This isn’t just about geography.

It’s about formation before foundation.

Before lecture halls.
Before job interviews.
Before the pace of adulthood accelerates.

A Gift That Outlasts Graduation Season

Long after the cake is gone.
Long after the thank-you notes are written.
Long after the gift cards are spent.

An experience like this continues shaping who they become.

If you’re wondering what to give the graduate in your life this spring, consider something bold.

Give them the opportunity to go.
To serve.
To grow.
To listen.
To be stretched.
To be sent.

Explore Global Teams and Global Ambassador opportunities at:

👉 www.cfci.org/go

Because sometimes the best graduation gift isn’t something they unwrap.

It’s somewhere they go.

January 29, 2026February 4, 2026

He could have take a vacation. He went to Zimbabwe instead.

When Andrew Dickerson—a university professor with a rare break between semesters—looked at his calendar, he had options. He could rest. He could travel. He could take a well-earned vacation.

Instead, he chose Zimbabwe.

After a personally difficult yet deeply formative year, Andrew wanted to mark the season with something meaningful. A mission trip offered more than a change of scenery—it offered a reset for the soul and a chance to keep growing while serving God’s Kingdom.

Once on the ground, there was no such thing as a “normal” day.

Some days were spent at the Emthunzini Wethemba Children’s Home—repairing broken windows, hanging swings, grilling food, and laughing with the boys who live there. Other days included hospital visits, home visits, and playing with children at an orphanage for kids five and under. Thanks to the leadership of Pastor Mangwende, Andrew experienced a wide range of ministry moments that showed him just how much God can do through simple obedience.

One moment that stuck with him? Watching the boys play endlessly on the swings he helped hang.

“It goes to show how the simple things that enable play can bring so much joy,” Andrew shared.

Another unforgettable moment came during a hospital visit, where the team met a woman named Caroline who had been without vital medication for months due to lack of funding. The solution wasn’t complicated—they went to the pharmacy, bought the medicine, prayed with her, shared the gospel, and reminded her she was deeply loved by people she had never met.

Throughout the trip, Andrew’s practical skills came in handy—but God was also doing quieter work. Each day required patience, openness, and trust.

“Trips like these aren’t fun in the same way vacations are,” Andrew reflected, “but they are equally memorable—and more beneficial.”

As he heads home, Andrew is carrying two things with him: generosity and gratitude. And when asked how he’d encourage others to serve, his answer was simple and honest: “Get outside your comfort zone—even for just a moment. The first step is the hardest.”

Maybe that first step is yours.

Whether you gather a group of friends, students, coworkers, or go solo as a Global Ambassador, mission trips create space for God to move—in the world and in you.

Read to take the first step?

September 2, 2025February 4, 2026

From Urban Plunge to Global Ambassador: Adalee’s Next Step

When Adalee first heard about Christ For the City International’s Global Ambassador program, she knew it was the right next step. Having grown up connected to CFCI—her parents serve with the ministry, and she herself is involved with Urban Plunge—Adalee longed to serve on a mission trip that went deeper than just one week. The Global Ambassador program offered exactly that.

Her time in El Salvador can be summed up in one word: life-changing.

Each day began early, often before sunrise, as she and her teammate walked to the nearby school or headed out to other ministry projects. Whether teaching, serving alongside local leaders, or helping at the church, Adalee found joy in the rhythms of daily mission life.

“Lunch was always cooked for us and never fell short of delicious,” she remembers.

Evenings ended with family calls, shared meals, and an early bedtime to prepare for another full day of service.

But what stood out most weren’t the routines—it was the relationships. Two second-grade girls at the school ran to hug Adalee and her teammate every chance they got.

“Those hugs were some of my favorite parts of the day,” she shared.

Through this season, Adalee discovered newfound confidence in living independently and gained clarity on the path God is leading her into. She also witnessed the contagious joy of children who, despite difficult circumstances, overflowed with laughter, play, and love.

Her advice for anyone considering becoming a Global Ambassador?

Go with a friend—sharing the experience makes it even more meaningful.
Be flexible—plans will change, and that’s part of the adventure.
Don’t let language be a barrier—sometimes love is best spoken through actions.

When asked if she would go again, her response was immediate: “YES! I know that I will be going again and that I’m called to the nations. This is only the beginning of the plans the Lord has for me.”

FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE MISSION

August 26, 2025February 4, 2026

From Texas A&M to El Salvador: Why John says “Go for it now”

When John walked across the graduation stage at Texas A&M, he knew exactly what he wanted to do before stepping into his professional career: serve the Lord internationally.

“I told CFCI I wanted to work a construction job in another country and I only had a few weeks to do so,” John said. “They took care of the rest.”

With a background in homebuilding, tugboat work, and construction projects, John found himself in El Salvador alongside his friend Jacob—working hard by day, exploring and building friendships by night.

Some of his favorite memories?

Driving up a mountain in the back of a truck with El Salvadorian friends while it poured rain.
Worshipping God in another language for the first time.
Experiencing incredible kindness and generosity from the entire community.

“We woke up, read the Bible, worked until evening, and spent our free time talking, reading, or exploring,” John shared. “It was a great opportunity to grow in my faith alongside Jacob. Everyone we met made us feel so welcome—we built friendships that will last.”

His advice for anyone thinking about a mission trip? “Go for it now. You will not get opportunities to do this later in life.”

Lord willing, John plans to return to El Salvador in 2026—this time bringing more Aggies with him.

Maybe the next person to take that step will be you.

Or maybe you know a college student hungry for adventure, a high school youth group ready to make an impact, or a friend who’s been praying about missions but doesn’t know where to start.

Whether it’s Urban Plunge, Global Teams, Global Ambassadors, or even supporting the work financially, you’ll find a place to step into God’s mission.

➡️ Your mission is out there. Let’s GO find it.

March 18, 2025February 4, 2026

Riley’s Leap of Faith & Life-Changing Adventures

Riley Bird grew up in a large family—one of eight siblings—just outside of Seattle, Washington. Raised in the Mormon faith, his spiritual journey took a transformative turn when he gave his life to Christ and was baptized in February 2024. With a newfound passion for following Jesus, Riley felt an undeniable call to missions, inspired by stories of his father’s mission work in the Dominican Republic. With his mother’s help, he discovered Christ For the City International (CFCI) and became a Global Ambassador.

Drawn to Latin America, Riley felt an immediate connection to Costa Rica. Now, months into his time on the field, he has been deeply involved in ministry—teaching English, organizing events, visiting senior citizens, playing with children, engaging in prayer walks, and sharing the Gospel.

One moment that stands out to Riley is praying with a man at a senior center who had recently faced hardship.

After we prayed, he told me he finally felt happy and relieved, like he could wake up in peace instead of sadness,” Riley said. “It gave me so much joy knowing the Lord worked through me to comfort him.

Originally committing to six months, Riley quickly realized he wasn’t ready to leave.

“There were so many opportunities to serve that I wanted to be a part of,” he said. “And I’ve made many friends here that I didn’t want to leave quite yet.”

His time in Costa Rica has transformed his faith, strengthening his trust in God and opening his eyes to the powerful ways He moves in difficult circumstances.

“The work being done here is not only helpful but life-changing,” Riley said. “Many people have so little, but what we provide gives them a way out of physical and spiritual poverty. The joy on their faces makes every bit of effort worth it.”

God is using Riley to make an impact in Costa Rica—and through his story, we are reminded that when we say ‘yes’ to God’s call, He takes us places beyond our imagination.

Would you pray for Riley as he continues his journey? Pray for strength, wisdom, and continued opportunities to share the love of Christ with those around him.

Explore Global Ambassador & Mission Trip Opportunities!

March 4, 2025February 4, 2026

From Intern to Leader: Eleanore’s Mission to Bring Hope

For Eleanore Hyvonen, missions never was just a calling—it’s a way of life. From a young age, she knew she was meant to serve the Lord, not just in words, but through action. That passion became a reality when she first connected with Christ For the City International through an internship at Wheaton College.

During that time, she spent six months in Costa Rica serving at an adolescent girls’ rehab home, an experience that deepened her faith and fueled her passion for bringing Christ’s hope to others. She fell in love with CFCI’s Global Teams ministry, which sends teams to serve in communities around the world.

“I love how well-structured the trips are and that the main mission behind this organization is that there is no place without hope,” Eleanore shared. “That’s something our world really lacks right now. We want Christ to be a hope for everyone—for the lost and the found.”

Now a Spanish teacher, Eleanore is still answering the call to missions. Last year, she led a team to Costa Rica, and this year, she’s preparing to lead teams to both Costa Rica and Guatemala. Through these trips, she has witnessed firsthand how God is using His people to transform cities by transforming lives.

But missions isn’t just about the places we go—they’re about the people we meet, the lives we impact, and the hope we share. Through Global Teams, Eleanore has seen the power of faith in action, the beauty of communities coming together, and the undeniable truth that when Christ is at the center, lives are changed forever.

Now, she’s inviting you to be part of this incredible movement. Whether by going, giving, or praying, you can help bring Christ’s love to those who need it most.

Be part of the journey. Be part of the transformation. Go on an international trip and make an impact! Let’s start a conversation!

March 3, 2025February 4, 2026

Send Me Where I’m Needed – Xaiver’s Story

When Xavier, a college student from Pennsylvania, felt the call to serve internationally, he had no idea where to start. With limited time between classes, he needed an opportunity that fit his schedule while allowing him to make a real impact. That’s when he found Christ For the City International.

“CFCI immediately responded to my email,” Xavier said. “They were willing to be flexible, sending me not only when I could go, but also where I was most needed.”

That place was Zimbabwe.

For three weeks, Xavier poured himself into ministry, stepping into new and unexpected opportunities. He cared for orphans—singing worship songs, reading Bible stories, and even helping build bunk beds for a boys’ orphanage. He visited the pediatric ICU in Bulawayo, where he witnessed the power of prayer as a paralyzed child began to move and walk.

“I’ve been on a journey to understand the full nature of prayer,” he shared. “Seeing faithful prayer change a life right in front of our eyes was nothing short of powerful and miraculous. Our God is always listening!”

Xavier also joined local pastors for street evangelism, sparking deep conversations about faith and leading Bible studies for young adults. At a healing with horses program, he saw the incredible impact of therapy animals—helping disabled youth improve their speech and mobility. And on his final day in Zimbabwe, he experienced a moment he’ll never forget—three boys at the orphanage gave their lives to Jesus.

“There is a beating heart within Zimbabwe that is hungry for the Gospel,” Xavier said. “Even for those who’ve already heard of Jesus, they need people who live out His name and seek to let others know of the true relationship Jesus desires to have with us.”

Now, Xavier isn’t done. He’s preparing to return to Zimbabwe later this year—with a team—to continue the work God started.

Missions change lives—not just for those we serve, but for those who step out in faith.

Are you ready to say, “Send me where I’m needed”? Let’s start a conversation!

Global Ambassador